October Reflections: Descent, Shadow, And Inner Light - by Mark Rowland

COURSE

October Reflections: Descent, Shadow, And Inner Light

With Mark Rowland

October is a month of deepening. The days grow shorter, nights longer, and the natural world turns inward. It is a time of descent, when we are invited to slow down, face our shadows, and reconnect with our inner light. In this 4-part course, you will be guided through the themes of stillness, shadow, ancestral connection, and the flame of inner presence. Each day includes a 22-minute teaching and a 22-minute guided meditation. You may choose to move through the course one session per week, allowing the themes to unfold across the month, or take the sessions more closely together, trusting the rhythm that feels right for you. This course is part of a year-long series exploring the gifts and challenges of each month, offering practices to align your inner life with the turning of the seasons.


Meet your Teacher

Mark Rowland is a meditation teacher, sound healer, and Reiki Master who guides thousands of listeners on Insight Timer through seasonal reflection, mindfulness, and inner healing. With lots of meditations and multiple in-depth courses, his offerings range from shadow work and gratitude journaling to elemental practices and sleep journeys. Drawing on years of experience as a gong bath facilitator and in mindfulness practice , Mark blends imagery from nature, gentle spiritual wisdom, and practical grounding techniques. His seasonal series, Reflections, supports students in aligning their inner life with the turning of the year, helping them find balance, clarity, and renewal month by month.

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4 Days

88 students

4.9 stars

24 min / day

Depression

English


Lesson 1

Entering The Quiet

October slows the world. The air cools, the light softens, and nature begins its descent into rest. In this session, we explore the gift of stillness ... how allowing quiet and retreat into our lives brings restoration, balance, and presence. The meditation guides you into an autumn forest, inviting you to rest in silence and let it become your teacher.

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Lesson 2

Meeting The Shadow

As the nights grow longer, October invites us to meet what is hidden. In this session, we explore the concept of the shadow the parts of ourselves we often ignore, deny, or keep in darkness. The teaching helps us understand why meeting the shadow is essential for wholeness, while the meditation gently guides you to encounter hidden aspects of yourself with compassion, opening the way for healing and integration.

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Lesson 3

Honouring The Ancestors

October is a month of remembrance. Across cultures, it carries traditions of honouring those who have passed...from Samhain in Celtic lands... to Día de los Muertos in Mexico. In this session, we explore how remembering our ancestors, in whatever way feels true for us, can bring grounding, connection, and strength. The teaching reflects on ancestry as both lineage and legacy, while the meditation guides you to a fire circle where you connect with the presence of those who came before, receiving their blessings with gratitude.

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Lesson 4

The Inner Flame

As the outer light fades, October reminds us of the flame within. In this final session, we explore the practice of tending to our inner light—the quiet strength, clarity, and warmth that guides us through times of darkness. The teaching reflects on how to connect with this inner flame in daily life, and the meditation invites you to sit before a candle within your heart, feeling its glow as a source of guidance, courage, and renewal.

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4.9 (12)

Recent Reviews

Nicky

November 15, 2025

Thank you so much, I just love these monthly reflections 🙏🙌🏼 and how subtle you weave the energies of the seasons into these beautiful and profound reflective meditations. And your soothing and calming voice is a pleasure to listen to 💠

John

October 31, 2025

Thank you Mark!

Jenni

October 27, 2025

This was a lovely course to do each week of October. Thank you.

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